Tebow Comeback? Which NFL Team Should Take a Shot?

August 4, 2014August 4, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Tim Tebow is getting ready for another attempt to play in the NFL. The lightning rod for criticism will once again try to prove that he is indeed an NFL player as he continues to workout in hopes of a call from an NFL franchise. The 26-year-old still remains adamant that he will play quarterback and refuses to change positions. There is no question that the circus that follows Tebow wherever he seemingly travels will make it difficult for a team to give Tebow a chance. It’s hard to win with distractions in the NFL and like it or not Tim Tebow is a major distraction. However, there is one NFL team that should seriously consider bringing in Tebowmania.

After surveying the NFL landscape I found one landing spot that would be a great match for both Tebow and the team. No, it’s not Jacksonville but they are in the same division. What about the Houston Texans?

Not buying it huh? Let me explain. Houston has a major problem at quarterback. This year the Texans will go into the season with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum, and rookie Tom Savage. And people wonder why Andre Johnson is upset with the Texans collection of quarterbacks.

The problem is that Savage and Keenum are both still very raw prospects who need another year or two to develop. They both have great upside and I really like their potential, but exposing them too soon could break their confidence heading forward. Fitzpatrick is a decent game manager, but that is about it. With a talented defense that could be a top unit in the NFL, a great rushing attack, and the weakest division in the NFL the Texans shouldn’t settle for an average signal caller like Fitzpatrick.

Instead they should go for broke and bring in Tebow. Fitzpatrick is already there to provide a solid backup plan in case the Tebow experiment fails. However, with his effect on the running game and ability to throw the ball deep Tebow would be a nice fit in the Texans offense. Tebow’s affect running the read option will help open holes for running back Arian Foster and allow Foster to have a big season.

Not only will his presence help the running game, but also with the speed the Texans receivers have Tebow only needs to hit a few deep throw a game to have success in Houston. With the weak conference they play in, Tebow could make the Texans a playoff team. We’ve seen this in Denver with a less talented defensive team and a running back that was not the same caliber as Arian Foster. With a better supporting cast and a ferocious drive to succeed Tim Tebow could be a successful quarterback with the Texans.

Granted, it would not be as a normal quarterback. Rather than using short throws to set up the deep ball, Tebow can use his legs and his supporting running game to set up the deep throws which he has greater success with. Would there be throws that will make any NFL fan cringe, yes, but Tebow could be the piece that gets Houston into the postseason.

How you ask? Despite his flaws there is one thing that Tebow is great at throughout his high school, college and professional career. Winning.

New York Jets Sign Jason Babin to 2 Year Deal

July 23, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The New York Jets have added another weapon to their formidable defense by adding former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jason Babin. The 34-year-old could be the speed edge rusher that the Jets have been desperately searching for. Despite his age and a terrible Jacksonville team last year, Babin had a productive season with 7.5 sacks and 19 quarterback pressures.

Babin could be a great pass rusher for the Jets

It will be interesting to see how he will be utilized as either a standup rusher or a defensive end with his hand in the dirt. One thing we know is that Rex Ryan puts his defensive players in the best position to succeed. With an already stalwart defensive line, the fact that the Jets now have a rotational pass rushing specialist in Babin could make their defense even better.

Last season Calvin Pace was able to record 10 sacks and with Babin’s speed and the Jets’ scheme, Babin could easily be a double-digit edge rusher. With this low risk high reward signing, the Jets could finally have the edge rusher they’ve desperately needed and could have an elite defensive unit in 2014.

Power Ranking New College Football Jerseys for 2014

June 30, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

7: Syracuse

A sorry excuse for a uniform

Wow just wow. When you’re the Orange why do you have a gray jersey instead of an orange one. While the all white look is ok, the Orange helmet along with the blue and grey uniforms are an atrocity. With such a classic logo and uniform why is Syracuse trying to hard to change it? The final straw is the numbers. Oversized, too blocker, and with different color stripes in the number? Syracuse, you’re no longer in the Big East, people will actually see you looking terrible on National TV. Can you change these immediately?

6: Illinois

Illino

These are just ok. There’s nothing new or exciting about these uniforms. The colors are solid and the uniforms don’t have any weird design choices that make them an eyesore. If this was a report card these uniforms would be a C -. Would have been nice to see more, but could always have been much worse.

5: Florida State

OOOOHHHH OOOOHHHH NNNNOOOO NNNNOOOO

Now I am going to take some heat for this one. While the Seminoles have tried to just modify and streamline their uniforms the result has not been good. The designs are unique but very distracting. The new black uniform is awesome, but the two-tone helmet is just awful. Florida State, just look at Jacksonville how’s that two-tone helmet idea working out for them? The main problem with these uniforms? Florida State had some of the best and most traditional uniforms in College Football. Why replace a classic?
4: Miami Hurricanes

Are U kidding me?

Oh Florida what’s happening? Is it something in the water causing another team to change a classic look? The uniforms are awesome. Well, the orange, green, and white all look streamlined and great. Also, the gloves are probably the best in college football. But, here is what kills these awesome jerseys. First, the helmet drops the orange and green stripe in the middle. While not terrible, the idea to put the Ibis on the shoulders and as a grey backdrop to the helmet was a terrible idea. The once iconic helmet has been replaced by this? Finally an all organ helmet and grey uniform? If anything Miami go with a black jersey and helmet instead of this fourth jersey disaster.
3: Washington

These Huskies have some bite

While the purple jersey isn’t a winner, the white and black are great. The helmets look good and the balance of purple and gold is well done. Also, a nice touch with the gold and purple numbers. Usually putting two colors in the number looks ridiculous but Washington pulls it off. The all white and all black uniforms are menacing and are some of the new better designs in college football.
2: Arkansas

New Razorbacks, same great Arkansas program

See guys. Sometimes less is more. While the Razorbacks have upgraded their logo this year, their uniforms also got a much need upgrade. Gone are the weird checker patterns on the uniforms which are replaced by subtle but fierce striping. The faded red helmet, and all white helmet both look great and it’s nice to see a team with just two uniforms. Arkansas proves that teams don’t need to reinvent the wheel or come up with an off the wall design to have great looking uniforms.

1: Oregon

Still the best in the business

Was there ever any doubt? When it comes to college football uniforms Oregon sets the standard year after year. The all white and green uniform is sleek. With the wing design on the shoulders and green helmet this uniform would have been the best except for its counter part. The new black uniform is incredible. The yellow and white wings on the shoulder are absolutely jaw dropping. With the faded silver helmet and the silver, white, and black numbers with the yellow trim are truly incredible. Once again, Oregon may not have the best team in college football, but they will have the best looking team in all of college football.

Give The Man His MOney: New York Jets working on extension for Muhammad Wilkerson

June 22, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Time to lock up the best player on the Jets

With training camp fast approaching, the New York Jets should cap off their busy offseason in both the draft and free agency by locking up their best player. As he enters the last year of his rookie deal, it is clear the Muhammad Wilkerson is the best player on the the New York Jets. The good news is that it has been reported that the Jets are looking to have an extension in place for their star defensive end by the beginning of the season.

The good news for the Jets is that they will have an easier time dealing with their best player on a contract during training camp. Wilkerson will get a fat check, but I do not see this turning into a Darrelle Revis saga, thank god. There is no question that Wilkerson is one of the best defensive players in football. A prototypical 3-4 defensive end who not only is one of the best at stuffing the run, but also getting after the quarterback. Wilkerson has also gain the admiration of his peers, he was voted #42 on the NFL’s Top 100 list by players around the league.

Wilkerson is a perfect fit in Ryan’s defense. He is an elite run stopper but continues to improve every year as a pass rusher. It’s a scary thought, but Wilkerson is still getting better.

In 2013 Wilkerson had 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 63 tackles. With Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson already on the defensive line, it’s time to lock Wilkerson up as the centerpiece for on the the best defensive lines in football.

He is the best player on the Jets and a new deal would prove to the Jets and their fans that they will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. It’s time for John Idzik to put a cherry on the Jets offseason, and the cherry on top would be locking up Wilkerson for the future.

New York Jets: Trading for Andre Johnson?

June 20, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

With Andre Johnson refusing to report in Houston for OTAs, this could give the New

Johnson would be a welcomed addition to the Jets

York Jets a golden opportunity. There have been rumors out of Jets camp that the team is talking to the Texans and trying to bring in Johnson. The problem? It looks like the Texans want Michael Vick in the deal. Vick for Johnson straight up? Sounds like the Jets should pull the trigger.

Sure Andre Johnson may seem selfish by not attending the Texans OTAs, but wouldn’t you if you’ve only made the playoffs twice in your eleven year career? Johnson should be upset. The Texans did not draft a quarterback in the draft, traded their starting one to Oakland, and are telling Johnson that Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to be the starter. Yeah, I can see why Johnson wants out. Who wants to play for an organization that put no effort into improving the quarterback position and doesn’t seem to be putting out a good effort.

Johnson would be a perfect pairing with Eric Decker in New York. Even at 32, Johnson still has blistering speed and is a legitimate number 1 receiver. Add in Decker, Kerley in the slot, and Amaro at tight end and the Jets could have one of the best receiving corps in football. Meanwhile, the Texans would get a dynamic quarterback who could be the final piece to a playoff roster. With the great defense in Houston coupled with the weak AFC South, putting Vick on the Texans would make them a playoff team.
While it may hurt the Jets to trade Vick, the upside of the trade is too great. Geno has looked great in OTAs and the Jets have strongly hinted he will be the starter. With Vicks ever-changing moods and comments in the New York media, it could be the best decision to cut this possible distraction down the road.

The Jets would not have a legitimate backup, but they could possible pick up a veteran if one is cut in training camp. Not to mention Johnson’s presence would help Geno develop. Johnson has some of the best hands in the league while also have the ability to stretch the field, something Gang Green has desperately been lacking for the last two years.

This trade would be a win win for both organizations. The Texans move a disgruntled receiver and get a quarterback that could get them back to the playoffs. The Jets jettison a quarterback who already is clamoring for playing time while getting a big time receiver to help Geno Smith mature as a quarterback. Who knows? Maybe this move will help both teams to reach the playoffs. This is one deal that should be made.

A Diplomatic Solution for Redskins Controversy??

June 19, 2014June 19, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The Washington Redskins find themselves in the crosshairs of controversy. There is no question that the term redskins is a derogatory term for Native Americans. This is an argument where you can see both sides of the case. For the Native Americans it is clear the “Redskins” name and logo is extremely offensive. Unlike other american franchises who use their mascots and names to show the nobel spirit of the native americans. Those who didn’t display native americans in a positive way, like the Cleveland Indians, have had either their offensive mascots removed or team names changed. Redskins was a phrase created to belittle and downgrade the Native American people as sub-human.

However, it’s not that easily cut and dry. Dan Schneider, the owner of the Redskins, has been on the record saying that he refuses to change the logo and name. I can understand why. It’s his team, he paid for it and should be able to decide what he wants to do with his team. Not to mention, the Redskins have had the same name since 1932. It has been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL and are one of the most recognizable teams on the planet. The name is offensive, but it has been the name for so long it would be hard for a franchise to change its identity after it has become one of the most successful franchises in the NFL.

Come on Washington! Isn’t this supposed to be the place for compromising between two different parties? Maybe not, but anyways there could be a possible solution to the problem in where both sides get something in return.

The Redskins want to keep their logo and name. I propose the following. Keep the name. Yes, I know it is offensive to Native Americans and will be subject to scrutiny until the name is completely removed.

The compromise would be that while the Redskins can keep their name they must remove their current logo depicting the Redskin. That way, their team memorabilia and uniforms will no longer be depicting Native Americans in a negative way. The good news is the Redskins may have the solution to this problem already. They have two great classic uniforms that look great and have logos not depicting a redskin.

These great throwbacks the solution?

The first would be the early 1970s uniforms depicted here. Not only do the red and yellow pop and look good with the classic stripes, but the logo is fantastic. The simple red R with the feathers on the side would be a great replacement for the current uniforms.

Back to the 60s

Option 2 would be the late 1960s jerseys. While they are darker with their red and gold color scheme, the uniforms are also a great looking set that could easily replace the current uniform. This logo features a Native American spear on the sides of the helmet and once again replaces the current offensive mascot.

Even this change will never fully stop the controversy until the name is completely changed. With the Redskins trademark now gone, the team could loss millions on merchandise and force the NFL to step in. If there’s one thing the NFL hates right now it is losing money. This step would be a step in the right direction. While Native Americans will never fully be satisfied that a team is called the Redskins, it could make it easier for them to accept the franchise if the logo depicting a redskin is removed. That way Schneider keeps his team name, and Native Americans will not have an offensive depiction on Redskins merchandise and helmets.

One thing is for certain,we will stay with this story and bring you the very latest here at Rich Sports Talk!